An Obie-winning theater star of the 1970s, John Heard made the leap to motion pictures during that decade as the lead in such overlooked cult favorites as "Between the Lines" (1977), "Chilly Scenes of Winter" (1979) and "Cutter's Way" (1981) before transitioning to character roles in Hollywood, most notably as Macauley Culkin's dad in "Home Alone" (1990). Heard excelled as men in turmoil, whether romantic, moral or criminal, and brought gravity and complexity to even minor roles in films like "Awakenings" (1992) and "In the Line of Fire" (1993). Recurring roles on television provided him the time to flesh out his roles, including an Emmy-nominated turn as a crooked cop on "The Sopranos" (HBO, 1999-2007). His versatility made him one of the business's most recognizable and dependable actors.

An Obie-winning theater star of the 1970s, John Heard made the leap to motion pictures during that decade as the lead in such overlooked cult favorites as "Between the Lines" (1977), "Chilly Scenes of Winter" (1979) and "Cutter's Way" (1981) before transitioning to character roles in Hollywood, most notably as Macauley Culkin's dad in "Home Alone" (1990). Heard excelled as men in turmoil, whether romantic, moral or criminal, and brought gravity and complexity to even minor roles in films like "Awakenings" (1992) and "In the Line of Fire" (1993). Recurring roles on television provided him the time to flesh out his roles, including an Emmy-nominated turn as a crooked cop on "The Sopranos" (HBO, 1999-2007). His versatility made him one of the business's most recognizable and dependable actors.

Joined Chicago's Organic Theatre playing the lead in "Warp" (Chicago and NY)

:

Performed in numerous productions on-and-off Brodway from mid-1970s to early 80s

1977:

Feature film debut in starring role, "Between the Lines"

1979:

TV debut in PBS drama special, "The Scarlet Letter

1983:

TV-movie debut, "Legs"

1985:

TV-miniseries debut, "Tender Is The Night"

1995:

Co-starred in "John Grisham's 'The Client'" (CBS)

2002:

Portrayed Roone Arledge in TNT's "Monday Night Mayhem"

1996:

Played Vice President Ted Matthews in the comedy "My Fellow Americans"

1998:

Starred in Brian De Palma's "Snake Eyes" with Nicolas Cage

2000:

Cast in the critically acclaimed "Pollock," starring Ed Harris as the American painter

2005:

Cast as Prof. Roseman in the political drama "The Deal," starring Christian Slater

2006:

Co-starred in the independent film, "Sweet Land"

2007:

Co-starred with Denzel Washington (also directed) in "The Great Debaters"

VIEW ALL MILESTONES

Education

Gonzaga College High School:
Washington , Washington D.C. -

Clark University:
Worcester , Massachusetts -

Notes

Arrested in November 1991 after defying a court order to leave his son alone, violating strict visitation rights, and slapping his son's mother Melissa Leo; charged with criminal contempt of court, custodial interference and assault.

In November 1996, Heard was charged with stalking his son, the boy's mother Melissa Leo and her boyfriend. He was freed on $50,000 bond. Heard was later convicted of telephone misuse and trespassing with sentencing set for May 1997.